March 26, 2020

Transit Windsor was experiencing ridership decreases consistent across the country, where transit properties were reporting between 60% – 80% decreases in ridership. For the week of March 22nd, 2020, Transit Windsor recorded 77% ridership loss over a similar period in February. As a precautionary measure to help safeguard the health and well-being of transit riders and operators alike, and to further help lower the risk of community infection within the City of Windsor, Mayor Dilkens ordered the temporary suspension of Transit Windsor operations, effective the end of normal operating hours on Sunday, March 29th, 2020.

The suspension of operations will last at least until Monday, April 13th, 2020. Discussion:

Discussion:

The suspension of service was undertaken with the paramount goal of reducing the health risks to the people of Windsor. Nonetheless, the suspension of Transit Windsor operations until at least Monday, April 13th, 2020 will present a significant inconvenience to those individuals in our community who rely on public transportation.

As a good will gesture, it is recommended that City Council approve a one-time payment to Transit Windsor riders who purchased (subject to verification) a pass between February 19th, 2020 and March 19th, 2020 or held a monthly pass valid (subject to verification) for the period between February 19th, 2020 and March 19th, 2020 as follows:

1) For students able to demonstrate that they held a valid U-Pass (Universal Student Bus Pass) for the period February 19th, 2020 to March 19th, 2020 – a one-time payment in the amount of $25;

Students tend to rely heavily on public transportation. The rationale for the recommended one-time payment of $25 to qualifying U-Pass holders is that UPass holders pay $66 a semester (4 months). This works out to $16.50 per month.

The one-time payment will need to be administered by the University of Windsor Student Alliance (UWSA) as they administer the bus pass program for full-time and part-time undergraduate students. The UWSA will be required to demonstrate and provide evidence to the City that it has refunded the noted amounts to the eligible students. Any funds not distributed will be required to be returned to the City.

2) For individuals able to demonstrate proof of purchase of a 15-day Adult, Senior, Student or Tunnel Bus Pass valid during the period of February 19th, 2020 to March 19th, 2020 – a one-time payment of $25;

3) For individuals able to demonstrate proof of purchase of a 30-day Adult, Senior, Student, Tunnel Bus or Corporate ValuPass valid during the period of February 19th, 2020 to March 19th, 2020 – a one-time payment of $50;